Chippewa County Sheriff's Deputies Kelly Aalfs (left) and Tim Christensen will both be retiring at the end of March. Aalfs has been a Chippewa County deputy for more than 34 years, while Christensen has been with the department for almost 32 years. Coincidentally, both men share the same birth date in the same year. Both celebrated their birthdays Monday. A retirement reception for Aalfs will be held March 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the courthouse assembly room. Christensen's reception will be held March 29, also from 2 to 4 p.m. at the assembly room. (Staff photo by Bruce Olson)